One of the more interesting looking indie games that have been teased this year, and one of the more interesting looking co-op games in particular, has been Haven, the sci-fi romance from developer The Game Bakers. It’s been quite a wait, but the game has finally made its way onto PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox systems today, and with its launch comes the first reviews.
A sharp contrast from The Game Bakers’ previous title, the bullet hell/hack-and-slash action game Furi, Haven is a chill RPG focusing on the relationship between its two protagonists, Yu and Kay, as they try to make a life for themselves on a strange and seemingly uninhabited planet. Unlike most games in the genre, the game offers a streamlined RPG experience free of things like quest logs and skill trees, as well as twists on other elements like combat and leveling up designed to reinforce Yu and Kay’s bond through gameplay.
It’s an interesting departure from the norm for role-playing games, but that begs the question of whether it does enough with its streamlined systems to keep players invested in its central relationship, and whether Yu and Kay’s story is worth getting invested in in the first place. Luckily, anyone curious to know can see what the critics think about Haven.
Hey Poor Player (Heather Johnson)
I could probably write a dissertation on everything Haven does right, but the truth is, Haven is something you must feel. Your relationship with Haven will change over time, the nuances left on you only realized long after the controller has been put away. Haven is the game every game developer wishes they could make and every gamer wishes they could play for the first time every time. It cannot be understated how beautiful Haven is in every sense of the word. Please don’t just play Haven — feel Haven.
Score: 10/10
Slant (Justin Clark)
And all of it feels incredibly organic, an honest take on the “better and for worse” part of a union that so many treacly romances tend to gloss over. And there’s no conflict so devastating that we’re not still reminded that we love these people and wish for their happiness in their new home. Along with being one of the most gentle and soothing games of the year, Haven is also gaming at its most compassionate.
Score: 9/10
GameWatcher (Bogdan Robert Mates)
Haven exudes an amount of confidence that’s not often seen. Every piece falls into its place and there is never a moment to suggest that developer The Game Bakers had any doubts about the direction in which it wanted to take the game. Its satisfying exploration of interconnected levels, light survival, story-driven visual novel elements, and rhythmic combat all serve the greater experience.
Score: 9/10
Noisy Pixel (Ian Goudelock)
Haven took me by complete surprise with its relatable characters and emotional love story. Gliding from island to island is endlessly fun and is a great way to take in its bright art direction. While there are some performance issues, the overall story and exploration had me hooked from beginning to end. If you’re looking for a romantic and fantastic narrative Haven has a beautiful world ready to explore.
Score: 8.5/10
PlayStation Universe (Garri Bagdasarov)
The Game Bakers have done a wonderful job creating a unique world and telling a love story that's believable and intriguing. I was fully invested in Kay and Yu and shaping their relationship. Though the game is all about the story, the game's turn-based combat is truly unique and demands your attention. What seals the deal is Havens's fantastic soundtrack providing some of the best electronic music I've heard in a while. For those looking for a different type of game, Haven is a great alternative for those looking for a great character-driven and emotional experience.
Score: 8/10
IGN (Kyle Campbell)
Were it not for soul-crushingly tedious rust cleaning and hillside foraging taking up so much of the campaign's runtime, Haven might've cemented itself as an all-time great RPG. However, the thrilling flow-rides, harmonious combat, thematically appropriate take on co-op, and startlingly human relationship between its leads make up for any low points. Above all else, Haven proves that love conquers all.
Score: 8/10
Game Informer (Joe Juba)
Even when I was frustrated, I was impressed by the touching and thrilling moments Haven creates. I enjoyed the genuine connection between Yu and Kay, and jetting off into the unknown with a pair of hover-boots is a blast. But this otherworldly adventure extends itself too far beyond its strengths. Sometimes the rough patches are worth working through, but like any relationship, sometimes you’re just giving more than you’re getting.
Score: 7.75/10
DualShockers (Camilo Olmedo)
Haven is ultimately a lot of style over substance. It takes many different pieces from different places, which is commendable, but it doesn’t necessarily do any of them particularly well... If the same time and care that went into the beautiful visual style and the genuinely endearing romance was put into the repetitive gameplay loop, then Haven could have been something extraordinary. Instead, it’s less of a haven and more of a disappointing jaunt through monotony.
Score: 4.5/10
Most critics agree that the core of Haven, Yu and Kay’s relationship, makes for a memorable experience. For all of the romance options many video games provide, it’s rare when a game puts romance front and center, more so when it’s about an established relationship instead of the pursuit of a romantic interest. So while there’s some debate over whether the streamlined gameplay supports it or not, the general consensus suggests anyone interested in exploring a different type of video game romance won’t be disappointed, regardless of whether they choose to play alone or with a partner of their own.
Haven is available now for PC, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X, and will be out in 2021 for PS4 and Switch.